abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.
walking about with an abstracted air
preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.
too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal
absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.
an absent stare
absent-minded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.
so absent-minded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes
distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.
was too distracted by grief to continue working
Example Sentences
Her absentminded husband forgot their anniversary. She did the chores in an absentminded way.
Recent Examples on the WebBut magnet faculty enjoyed a great deal of autonomy—Anstead, who developed a reputation among Core students for being gentle and brilliant, if a bit absentminded, gave teachers free rein over their classes.Longreads, 16 Mar. 2012 But as happens to absentminded professors worldwide (at least according to my dear wife), my mind started to wander from the task at hand to something related to plants. Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 6 Mar. 2020 In their own seemingly innocent, absentminded way, slow drivers pose just as much of a threat to society as fast ones. Joe Queenan, WSJ, 12 Apr. 2018 Megyn Kelly’s dog took a brief sojourn in a total stranger’s lavish Montana villa after her absentminded caretakers unintentionally abandoned her there during their vacation in the Big Sky Country. Amanda Arnold, The Cut, 26 Mar. 2018 Over on the side, two men played an absentminded game of pool, more interested in the discussion than the 6 in the side pocket.The Root, 16 June 2017